Ohio Governor Signs Bill That Aims to Reduce Disability and Death for Stroke Patients

New legislation is part of a growing trend among states to lower health care costs and increase stroke survival rates

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Dec 20, 2018, 12:50 ET

FAIRFAX, Va., Dec. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Ohio governor John Kasich signed a bill that will improve the way first responders triage and transport severe stroke patients across the state, a move the Get Ahead of Stroke campaign says will help reduce disability and death, as well as lower the immense costs associated with long-term health care. The legislation will take effect spring 2019. Stroke is a leading cause of death in Ohio.

The bill is a first step in improving stroke systems of care in Ohio and recommends the creation of written protocols for EMS personnel to assess, triage and transport stroke patients to appropriate care. The Get Ahead of Stroke campaign believes these protocols should include education for responders in how to identify severe stroke patients who are experiencing the blockage of a large blood vessel (an emergent large vessel occlusion, or ELVO). These patients are often eligible for neuroendovascular stroke surgery, which can decrease the likelihood of disability or death if performed early enough. The bill also clarifies comprehensive stroke center, primary stroke center and acute stroke ready hospital designations.

"The goal of this legislation is to save lives and limit disability caused by strokes. From my personal experience, I am honored to have worked on such an important piece of legislation and I thank my joint-sponsor Rep. Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood), the Get Ahead of Stroke campaign and all other parties involved for their hard work on this bill," said lead bill sponsor Rep. Scott Lipps (R-Franklin).

"New protocols for EMS will help ensure every stroke patient — not just the lucky ones — is triaged properly in the field, and that those suspected of severe stroke are taken directly to centers staffed by neurointerventionalists who have the best training and most experience," said Dr. Adam S. Arthur, president of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS).

With the signing of the new legislation, Ohio joins a growing number of states working to save the lives of stroke patients. Earlier this year, Tennessee passed a bill that improves the way first responders triage and transport severe stroke patients across the state. Last year, a stroke resolution was unanimously passed by the Colorado Legislature and Arizona updated state protocols. The Get Ahead of Stroke campaign is currently focused on efforts to improve stroke care through policy changes in Florida, Massachusetts, New York and Virginia.

To speak with Dr. Arthur, please contact Faith James at [email protected] or 202-248-5452.

Get Ahead of Stroke is a national public education and advocacy campaign designed to improve systems of care for stroke patients. An initiative of the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS), the campaign's goal is to secure the best possible outcomes for stroke patients by driving policy change and public awareness nationwide. Visit www.getaheadofstroke.org to learn more.

SOURCE Get Ahead of Stroke